Past, present, and future
So, in the end, what causes aging?
As the field of gerontology matures,
Clearly this question has fascinated
scientists will continue to learn about
medical researchers, philosophers,
what happens deep inside our bodies
anthropologists, and the general public
during our passage from child to older
for centuries. This booklet offers you just
adult. Experiments involving animal
a glimpse of the journey to understand
models that on the surface seem so
the science of aging.
different from us—yeast, fruit flies,
In a sense, we are all aging experts—
worms, and mice—will yield insights into
every day we get older. It’s true that most aspects of aging that could one day lead of us cannot explain what’s happening
to important clinical, pharmacological, or
under the microscope, but the little girl behavioral interventions for humans.
can still be curious about her vivacious
What is the future of biology of aging
grandmother without knowing that
research? It is not likely that we will see
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the grandmother’s good health may
a modern-day fountain of youth, that
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be a sign of what to expect during her
mythical elixir promised to restore people
:
own golden years. And, the man in
to their younger selves. But research may
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middle age can know that he looks and
very well offer us the means to a healthier,
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feels better when making healthy food
longer life. And, with that, we may have
choices and staying physically active
the opportunity to spend more time with
without understanding the intricacies
our loved ones, the opportunity to meet
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of metabolism and biological stress.
our great-great-grandchildren, and the
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Aging is part of us, it’s part of life.
opportunity to enjoy more life experiences.
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